Written By: Maria Jimenez ~ AYAS Fellow ‘25

The All Youth Are Sacred (AYAS) fellowship made its way to the Capitol in Sacramento, marking a pivotal moment for youth-led justice reform. This year’s cohort, filled with passionate young leaders from across the state, had their first legislative visit and focused on advocating for AB-1376, the bill to End Endless Probation in California. It was a day filled with hope, action, and a powerful reminder of the strength of intergenerational power.

For many, it was their first time stepping foot in the Capitol, and the energy was nothing short of inspiring. The fellowship not only allowed young people to engage in the political process, but it also offered them an opportunity to come together as a cohort for the first time, sharing their stories and strategizing for the future.

Two of the fellows brought their little ones along, and their presence made the experience even more special. It was a beautiful reminder that the fight for justice is not just for the youth of today, but for the next generation as well. Their children were not just witnesses, but part of the movement; adding an extra layer of motivation to the day’s advocacy.

AB-1376 represents a critical shift in the way we think about youth justice; ending the cycle of endless probation that too many young people are subjected to, keeping them tied to a system that fails to offer real opportunities for growth. The youth fellows, guided by their experiences and their commitment to change, met with lawmakers to push for support of this bill, advocating for a future where youth aren’t trapped by a system that doesn’t work for them.

AYAS is a space for young leaders to define their own narratives and envision a future that is free from punitive systems. By focusing on building leadership, they are transforming their communities from the inside out. The Capitol visit was just one piece of this larger movement to shift the story around youth justice and provide a platform for young people to lead the way.

Thank you to AYAS, CJCJ, CAYCJ, and all the supporters who made this fellowship possible. The energy and determination displayed by these young leaders reminds us that the fight for justice is in good hands. This is only the beginning, stay tuned for more updates and follow AYAS to see how the next generation continues to lead the charge for better outcomes and a brighter future.